Introducing “Mountain Spirit”: Apache Ga’an Dancer
The dynamic movements of an Apache Ga’an dancer
Arizona inspirations
Although I call Colorado home, few places are as inspiring to me artistically as Arizona. My newest painting, Mountain Spirit, captures the dynamic movements of an Apache Ga’an dancer as he performs.
"Mountain Spirit" by James Ayers; 24" x 30", oil on canvas, $8,100
Composition details
Working on "Mountain Spirit" at the Celebration of Fine Art Show
Mountain Spirit is keeping with my theme this year of exploring natural, slice-of-life settings.
When designing this piece, my goal was to accentuate the quality of movement inherent in the subject matter.
Prior to this work, I had only depicted a Ga’an dancer once before–and that piece showed a full-length view.
For Mountain Spirit, I purposely chose to portray the dancer in a horizontal view to force the focus on the mask and hands.
The mask is the focal point
See all the angles? I used angles everywhere as well as angular chunks of negative space to draw your eye directly to the mask.
The painting is bathed in warm colors; the yellow background is meant to provide the feeling backlighting the dancer with sunshine. Using so much yellow also makes the blue accents POP visually.
I also used foreshortening in the arms to give you the perspective of the dancer’s hands coming toward you.
Grid divided into fifths
In this picture, I have super-imposed a grid on the painting so that you can see the layout.
The mask is perfectly situated at the junction of 2/5 height and 2/5 width. This placement–as opposed to putting the mask in dead center–furthers the active, movement-filled feeling of this composition.
Fibonacci spiral showing proportions and symmetry
If you enjoy the technical aspects of art, look at the image to the left.
Super-imposed on Mountain Spirit is the so-called “Fibonacci Spiral,” which is mathematical construct found extensively in nature and utilized in compositions by Dali, da Vinci, and Mondrian (among others).
About Apache Ga’an Dancers
In February, 2012, Indian Country Today Media Network published an article on the White Mountain Apache Ga’an dancers (also called “crown dancers). The article provided an excellent description of Ga’an dancers:
“The creator sent the Ga’an (Spirit People) to guide the people, teaching them how to walk in the Holy Life Way, to be kind to each other, and to live in harmony with each other and the land.
Today’s Apaches still honor those spiritual traditions and crown dancers are called upon to evoke blessings and ward off evil at ceremonies. Ga’an dances are performed by men who invoke the mountain spirits. Four dancers representing the four sacred directions paint their bodies black and white and adorn themselves with evocative lightning designs and animal motifs. They are accompanied by a fifth dancer painted gray, an unpredictable clown who acts as a messenger to communicate with the Spirit People.
The Ga’an dancers are also instrumental in healing and cleansing ceremonies including preparing the grounds for the coming-of-age ceremony for young Apache girls just coming into womanhood.”
Mountain Spirit is available for sale
To purchase, please contact me directly: James Ayers Studios.
SUCH WONDERFUL PAINTINGS, YOUR WORK IS A BLESSING TO ALL WHO SEE IT!! MANY BLESSINGS CATHY KAMAMA USDI
Thank you, Cathy! I’m so glad that my paintings are an inspiration to you.
Thru you’re painting my Indian spirit has risen and soured higher than it has ever be. Heavenly Father has blessed you with this special gift. For all to see.
Thank you kindly, Martha. I’m so pleased my work speaks to you.
I can’t tell you how stunning and touching your paintings are. There are times I really wish I was very wealthy and this is one of those times…just to be able to buy and enjoy your outstanding paintings. Thank you for sharing with all of us.